Ancient city, so charming! Cairo straddles the Nile River, with a majestic and spectacular appearance. It is the political, economic, cultural and commercial center of the entire Middle East. Cairo consists of Cairo Governorate, Giza Governorate and Qalyub Governorate, commonly known as Greater Cairo. Cairo is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is also one of the few ancient cities in the world that has suffered the least damage from war.